Preparedness and Response for introduction of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in the Americas1
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Preparedness and Response for introduction of
Ebola virus disease (EVD) in the Americas1
Ebola virus disease (EVD) – Key facts
Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever), is a severe, often fatal
illness, with a case fatality rate of up to 90%. There are no licensed specific treatments or
vaccine available for use in people or animals.
Genus Ebolavirus is 1 of 3 members of the Filoviridae family (filovirus), along with genus
Marburgvirus and genus Cuevavirus. Genus Ebolavirus comprises 5 distinct species: Bundibugyo
ebolavirus (BDBV), Zaire ebolavirus (EBOV), Reston ebolavirus (RESTV), Sudan ebolavirus (SUDV)
and Taï Forest ebolavirus (TAFV).
The incubation period of Ebola virus disease (EVD) varies from 2 to 21 days, with an observed
average of 8 to 10 days. Following the introduction of Ebola virus in the human population
through animal-to-human transmission, person-to-person transmission by direct contact body
fluids/secretions of infected persons is considered the principal mode of transmission. Indirect
contact with environment and fomites soiled with contaminated bodily fluids (e.g. needles)
may also occur. There is no risk of transmission during the incubation period.
The most common symptoms experienced by persons infected with the virus are the sudden
onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat. This is followed by
vomiting, diarrhea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function, and at advanced stage, both
internal and external bleeding. Laboratory findings include low white blood cells and platelet
counts and elevated liver enzymes.
Advice to national authorities
The Pan American Health Organization / World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) advises its
Member States to consider implementing the following measures:
Surveillance
Detection of case with symptoms compatible with EVD
In a scenario such as the current one where the introduction of cases is the most likely, it is
important that detection mechanisms be highly sensitive, so as to detect the slightest suspicion
that an individual might be infected by the Ebola virus which must be reported to public health
authorities and followed by the international ones through the channels established by the
International Health Regulations (IHR), given that such an event is considered unusual.
1 The document is updated as the situation evolves and new guidance documents become available
-1-
© Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization; 2014Any case compatible with Ebola virus infection or an unusual event associated with an Ebola
virus infection should be reported through the channels established under the International
Health Regulations (IHR). Likewise, any confirmed Ebola case must be reported internationally
as established in the IHR.
The identification of an Ebola virus case must take into account both the clinical manifestations
as well as the travel history and exposure history reported by the patient.
The detection of these unusual health events potentially associated with the introduction of the
Ebola virus can occur at different points as described in the below figure. Therefore it is
important that the personnel operating at the points described in the figure are properly
trained. They need to be kept updated on the status of EVD, and be trained to recognize the
symptoms of EVD, in order to ask about travel history, and understand the protocols to inform
the proper corresponding authorities.
Figure. Different points of detection of possible EDV cases.
The health facilities staff should be alerted to the possible introduction of EVD and should be
alerted to the need to properly follow protective measures.
Contact tracing
When an individuals with clinical and epidemiology history compatible with EVD is identified or
if there are unexplained deaths of travelers, with clinical and epidemiological history
compatible with EVD, (even though laboratory diagnosis is pending), identification of contacts
and monitoring for 21 days (after the last known exposure to EVD) should be initiated.
When any international traveler in transit is among the identified contacts, the national
authorities should determine whether or not the traveler should stay in the country for follow up–
based on the legal framework existing in the country – or if the contact may continue to travel.
If the latter is decided, the country’s authorities must inform the recipient country of the arrival
of these travelers that will have to be monitored.
Contact person is defined as any person having had contact with an Ebola in the 21 days
preceding the onset of symptoms in at least one of the following ways:
• Having slept in the same household with a case
• Has had direct physical contact with the case (dead or alive) during the illness
• Has had direct physical contact with the (dead) case at the funeral,
-2-
© Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization; 2014• Has touched his/her blood or body fluids during the illness
• Has touched his/her clothes or linens
• Has been breastfed by the patient (baby)
If the patient with illness compatible to EVD develops symptoms while on an airplane, contact
tracing must be made according to the Risk assessment guidelines for diseases transmitted on
aircraft (RAGIDA) protocol 2, which indicates contact tracing of all those passengers seated in
an adjacent seat to the patient in all directions -on the side, in front or behind, including across
an aisle- , as well as the crew on board. If the cleaning of the aircraft is performed by
unprotected personnel, they should be considered as contacts.
As part of contact tracing, the following information for each contact is to be collected: name,
address, relationship with the patient, date of last contact, type of contact. Countries should
have the tools for efficient information management. For those countries that do not have such
tools PAHO/WHO can provide the Field Information Management System (FIMS); countries
interested in obtaining FIMS should contact their local PAHO/WHO Country Office.
The daily monitoring of contacts may be made through in person visits or virtually if the system
used allows visualization of the individual (e.g. video chat). The contact should be instructed to
go to a health care facility if symptoms are present. For household visits of asymptomatic
contacts, the use of PPE by healthcare personnel performing the visit is not required.
The asymptomatic individuals identified as contacts do not require use of PPE as long as they
remain asymptomatic, and may continue their daily routines and must remain available and
notify the health personnel of any change of location that may affect the health personnel’s
ability to carry out daily monitoring. For operational reasons, the non-essential travel of contacts
during the monitoring period is discouraged.
Both health personnel involved in the direct care of a patient under investigation or of a
confirmed case of EVD, as well as laboratory personnel must be registered as a contact and
monitored until 21 days after the last chance of exposure to contaminated material have
passed.
Contacts that developed symptoms compatible with EVD must be referred to the isolation
ward in designated hospital for medical assessment and further investigation. This should trigger
an active search for cases in both the community and at health facilities.
Additional guidelines will be provided in the event that local transmission is established.
2Risk assessment guidelines for diseases transmitted on aircraft (RAGIDA). Part 2: Operational guidelines Second edition.
November 2009. Available at:
http://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications/_layouts/forms/Publication_DispForm.aspx?List=4f55ad51-4aed-4d32-b960-
af70113dbb90&ID=332
-3-
© Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization; 2014Laboratory diagnostic
Once an individual with illness compatible with EVD is identified, a sample must be taken
(whole blood and / or serum) for the diagnosis. The sample should be taken by trained health
personnel with extreme biosecurity measures and additional protective equipment (non-sterile
gloves, masks, goggles - preferably with an anti-fog visor, apron or waterproof apron and, if
possible, the disposable kind). This sample should ideally be taken at the hospital designated to
handle cases compatible with EVD and sent to the National Reference Laboratory.
Of note, is that the confirmation of Ebola virus infection can only be performed in patients who
have already developed symptoms. The confirmation is not possible during the incubation
period.
If patient has died with clinical and epidemiological history compatible with EVD, taking an oral
swab is suggested. In these situations, an autopsy is contraindicated.
The Ebola virus is classified as a Risk Group 4 pathogen, and therefore requires being handled
in an equivalent level of biosafety (BSL-4).
However, molecular assays (for diagnosis of Ebola and other pathogens) can be performed in
Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) conditions (and even BSL-2) provided that the sample has been
inactivated. To minimize the risk of exposure in the laboratory, the presumptive and differential
diagnosis should be conducted only through use of molecular techniques.
Due to its low specificity, the use of rapid testing is neither indicated for confirming nor for
discarding cases, as such, its use is discouraged.
Personnel of a BSL-2 laboratory that are managing the samples of a patient with illness
compatible with Ebola should, in addition to use of routine personal protective equipment
(gloves, goggles-preferably with an anti-fog visor), use additional protection (N-95 masks, apron
or waterproof apron and if possible, use of the disposable kind) regardless of the type of
sample and the test to be performed.
The final confirmation of Ebola virus infection should be performed by a WHO Collaborating
Center. Samples must be sent the center, by the National Reference Laboratory, as a category
A infectious substance, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards
and packed by personnel with international IATA certification for shipping and handling.
Sending samples presupposes functional delivery channels through a certified company
(Courier). The country must ensure a priori that the company is available for the sample
shipment.
The laboratories in the Region that can receive samples are:
• Viral Special Pathogens Branch (VSPB), Division of High Consequence Pathogens and
Pathology (DHCPP), National Center for Emerging Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
http://apps.who.int/whocc/Detail.aspx?cc_ref=USA-155&cc_city=atlanta&
-4-
© Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization; 2014• Zoonotic Diseases and Special Pathogens, National Microbiology Laboratory, Infectious
Disease and Emergency Preparedness Branch Public Health Agency of Canada:
http://apps.who.int/whocc/Detail.aspx?cc_ref=CAN-22&cc_city=winnipeg&
Patient treatment is empirically started pending the receipt of a definitive confirmation.
Below is an algorithm for the sample flow of a patient with symptoms consistent with EVD.
Case management
In health care services
Recognizing that patients with symptoms compatible EVD can be detected at different levels
of the health care system or entry points, which must be handled using standard infection
control precautions:
The patient should be transferred and managed in a designated health facility which must
comply with the following characteristics:
• Contact isolation conditions,
• Appropriate provisions of personal protective equipment, and
• Health services personnel trained in infection prevention and control.
-5-
© Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization; 2014Ideally, patients should be kept in individual rooms. If this is not possible, patients should be
placed in cohort, isolating separately those who have been EVD confirmed by laboratory and
those still under investigation for EVD.
The country should consider having a number of designated facilities compatible with their
geographical and administrative management.
If the country does not currently have designated hospitals for isolating patients with symptoms
consistent with EVD, using those services that have already been identified for isolation of
patients during the influenza pandemic and/or those used for isolation of patients with
multidrug-resistant tuberculosis should be considered.
When the detection is realized in an airplane or at airport facilities, the patient should be
directed to the areas designated as the facilities for isolation and evaluation by health
personnel according to the airport contingency plan and prior to transfer to the designated
hospital.
Patient transfer
Patient transfer should be performed by trained health care professionals in an appropriate
vehicle for the transfer of patients. The vehicle must only transport essential personnel for
patient care.
Personal protective equipment for the transfer:
• The direct care personnel of the patient must wear gloves, impermeable gowns, surgical
masks, goggles (preferably with anti-fog visor), and closed shoes.
• The driver does not need to use personal protective equipment unless possible direct
contact with the patient is anticipated.
Vehicle cleaning: After a vehicle has been used for patient transfer, it must be cleaned and
disinfected with hypochlorite solution 0.05%. The professionals who perform cleaning should use
personal protective equipment (gloves, waterproof gowns, surgical masks, goggles (preferably
with anti-fog visor), and closed shoes).
Infection Prevention and Control
Human-to-human transmission of the Ebola virus is primarily associated with direct or indirect
contact with blood and body fluids. Transmission to health-care workers has been reported
when appropriate infection control measures have not been observed.
Standard Precautions
It is not always possible to identify patients with EBV early because initial symptoms may be non-
specific. For this reason, it is important that health-care workers at all level apply standard
precautions consistently with all patients – regardless of their diagnosis – in all work practices at
all times. These include:
-6-
© Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization; 2014• Hand hygiene.
• Safe handling and disposal of sharp instruments.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) according to the risk assessment.
• Clean and disinfect spills, environment, and reusable equipment safely.
Precautions for direct patient contact:
• Restrict the number of staff dedicated to patient care.
• Limit the number of visits.
• Keep log books to register staff caring for the patient as well as visitors.
• Use of PPE by both health care personnel and visitors.
• Wash hands.
• Use of surgical masks, goggles – preferably with anti-fog visor, waterproof apron, gloves
and closed shoes before entering the patient's room.
• Remove PPE before leaving the isolation area. Special care should be taken when
removing PPE to prevent contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
• Designate staff dedicated to monitoring the correct use of PPE in both health personnel
and visitors.
• General use of disposable personal protective equipment. Where it is not possible to
obtain disposable equipment, the following items can be re-used following appropriate
disinfection:
o Goggles or eyewear must be washed with water and soap in advance and then
disinfected with 70% alcohol after.
o Impervious gowns or aprons that cannot be sent to the hospital laundry facilities
must be disinfected with hypochlorite 0.05%.
Cleaning in the hospital and of households of patients symptomatic of EVD
At home: If a patient develops symptoms at home before being isolated, the home should be
disinfected, and the clothing and the patient’s bedding and clothing should be incinerated.
Disinfection of the environment:
-7-
© Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization; 2014• Clean surfaces with blood or other body fluids with water and detergent prior to
disinfection.
• Disinfection should be done with hypochlorite solution 0.05%.
• Use gloves, gowns and closed shoes for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces with blood
and / or body fluids.
In the hospital: Both the bedding and clothing of the patient should be placed in a bag before
washing and routed separately to the hospital laundry facilities where staff is to be adequately
protected. Hand washing these items is not recommended.
Waste management in the hospital setting
• All sharp-edged objects must be disposed of in puncture-resistant containers. These
containers should be discarded when 75% of their capacity is reached.
• All solid waste, with no sharp edges, must be disposed of in appropriate medical waste
disposal plastic bags.
• All solid waste and sharp-edged objects related to a patient suspected or confirmed for
EVD must be incinerated.
Infection control in aircraft
• If the presence individual is suspected with illness compatible with EVD on board, the
crew will have to implement recommendations made by IATA with respect to infection
control and meet the ICAO requirements regarding notification. 3 This cabin crew should
be using the Universal Precaution Kit such as that recommended by the International
Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO): http://www.capsca.org/CAPSCARefs.htm.
Cleaning of affected aircraft: Since disinfection of aircraft surfaces depends on the disinfecting
product compatibility with the material of the surface to be disinfected, the aircraft
manufacturers should be consulted.
While the most probable scenario for the introduction of the Ebola virus would by air travel,
there is a high volume of cruise ships in the Region of the Americas, as such prevention and
control measures onboard a cruise ship or other boat are available in English.4
Safe disposal of dead bodies
The dead body must be kept whole and its handling should be limited.
3 Available at: IATA guidelines for air crew to manage a suspected communicable disease or other public health emergency
on board; and
IATA guideline for cleaning crew for an arriving aircraft with a suspected case of communicable disease
4 WHO Aviation Guide which includes information on sanitizing of aircraft
-8-
© Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization; 2014Regardless of the funerary practice of family or friends of the patient, the body must not be
embalmed. It should be disinfected with hypochlorite solution 0.05%, placed in resistant fluid
extravasation body bags, which must be properly closed and placed in a closed casket before
burial.
The staff for the management of dead bodies should be designated, equipped, trained and
supervised by the national public health authorities to carry out the management of dead
bodies under biosafety conditions. Personnel should use PPE at all times when handling a dead
body, which includes aprons, overalls, waterproof gowns, surgical masks, eye protection
(preferably with an anti-fog visor) and closed shoes.
Clinical Management
General medical support is critical. Severely ill patients require intensive supportive care. Such
care must be administered with strict attention to barrier isolation. Patients are frequently
dehydrated and require oral rehydration with solutions containing electrolytes or intravenous
fluids.
Currently, no specific licensed therapy has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of EVD.
Invasive procedures should be limited for EVD confirmed cases as well as for EVD suspected
patients.
Criteria for patient isolation suspension
The duration of precautions should be determined on a case-by-case basis, once the
symptoms have ended, determining if a patient should be removed from isolation should also
take into consideration laboratory information.
Special Considerations
• Breastfeeding: Because the virus is transmitted through breastfeeding it is recommended
that women symptomatic for EVD pending confirmation and those who have been
confirmed for EVD not breastfeed.
• Since the Ebola virus can still be transmitted through semen up to seven weeks after
recovery from the illness. For this reason, it is important for men to avoid sexual
intercourse for at least 7 weeks after recovery or to wear condoms if having sexual
intercourse during 7 weeks after recovery.
-9-
© Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization; 2014Raising awareness and communication
Health professionals
All institutions at different levels of the health care system and all health care workers (clinical,
public health professionals, laboratory, janitorial staff, etc.) must be constantly informed about:
• The evolution of the EVD outbreak in West Africa and the international level
recommendations.
• The characteristics and modes of transmission of the disease.
• Any type of protocol that the country has developed, is developing, or is changing
related to any response or requirements.
Based on the areas of expertise, health care personnel should be trained to respond to the
situation, prioritizing the implementation of infection prevention and control of infections and
the systematic and comprehensive collection of comprehensive patient travel history.
Other sectors
Given that the most likely scenario for the introduction of Ebola is through international
passengers using air transportation, the following is recommended:
• Link and establish close coordination mechanisms with civil aviation authorities, airport
authorities and airlines operating in the country in order to increase and coordinate
detection of cases in passengers, manage contacts and access to information to
enable the tracking and tracing. Therefore it is essential to involve, at all times, to
governmental authorities responsible for transportation and immigration authorities.
• Coordinate with the aforementioned authorities to:
o Determine the exact country of origin of the infection: via immigration authorities
through passports and via airlines to obtain complete airline itineraries.
o Facilitate identifying the exact location of potential contacts both in and outside
the country: through immigration for those who are in the country, through the
airline manifest of to determine contact final destination and to inform the
relevant national authorities appropriately.
o Activate the airport contingency plan within the airport in case of a required
response to a public health emergency.
o Emphasize to travel industry personnel the importance of infection prevention
and control.
o Reiterate the need for airlines to adhere to compliance guidelines developed by
the IATA.
- 10 -
© Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization; 2014o Disseminate information so a traveler with symptoms knows where to go to seek
medical attention.
• In conjunction with the Ministry of Tourism, inform those in the tourism sector (hotels,
cruise lines, travel agencies, etc.) about the outbreak evolution, the international
recommendations and of the government’s preparation efforts.
• Reach out to the Embassies and diplomatic channels, the private sector, or national
institutions that have personnel or operations (commercial, scientific, humanitarian or
other) in the countries where EVD is documented, to inform them of:
o The evolution of the outbreak.
o The recommended measures at the international level.
o The need to basic information about the modes of transmission and arrangement
for the treatment of cases that may occur in this group of expatriates.
General Population
It is recommended to implement the existing communication plan to ensure transparency on
preparedness activities undertaken by the government as well as the detection of EVD
compatible cases and/or confirmed cases. Communication with the public must be
established to facilitate communication on the eventual implementation of public health
measures that could impact society at large as well as individuals.
National health authorities are encouraged to identify cultural and religious practices and
beliefs that may have the potential to prevent the acceptance of public health measures to
control EVD by the community, should there be one or more suspected and/or confirmed case
of EVD.
Informing travelers
Given the evolution of the outbreak and considering the international recommendations
published, national authorities should inform and advise travelers who want to travel to
countries with documented transmission of EVD, at the time of their trip the characteristics of
the disease and transmission and inform them about personal protection measures.
Channels to disseminate this information: This information should be disseminated through
medical care centers or travel agencies and/or web pages dedicated to this purpose.
Informing expat communities (from countries where EVD transmission has been documented)
Engage appropriate national authorities to reach out to expat community leaders to ensure
open dialogue with the communities, to facilitate the health monitoring operations, and
provide access to the health care services.
- 11 -
© Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization; 2014Media
National health authorities are invited to engage with the media to inform them about the
modes of transmission and clinical presentation of EVD; about efforts made by national
authorities to prepare for the introduction of EVD; and to seek in advance their collaboration
and cooperation for the delivery and dissemination of health messages to the population,
especially in case of suspicion or confirmation of EVD in the countries.
Related Links
• WHO Ebola virus disease outbreak.
• Ebola virus disease WHO disease fact sheet
• Case definition recommendations for Ebola or Marburg Virus Diseases
• Frequently asked questions on Ebola virus disease
• Disease Outbreak News (DON) on Ebola
• WHO Interim manual - Ebola and Marburg virus disease epidemics: preparedness, alert,
control, and evaluation
• WHO Risk Assessment. Human infections with Zaïre Ebolavirus in West Africa, 24 June 2014
References
• WHO Ebola virus disease: background and summary. Available
at: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2014_04_ebola/en/
• International Travel and Health. 2014 Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in West Africa.
Travel and transport risk assessment: Recommendations for public health authorities and
transport sector. Available at: http://www.who.int/ith/updates/20140421/en/
• WHO Aviation Guide which includes information on sanitizing of aircraft. Available
at: http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/publications/aviation_guide/en/
• IATA guidelines for air crew to manage a suspected communicable disease or other
public health emergency on board. Available
at: http://www.iata.org/whatwedo/safety/health/Documents/health-guidelines-cabin-
crew-2011.pdf
• IATA guideline for cleaning crew for an arriving aircraft with a suspected case of
communicable disease. Available
at: http://www.iata.org/whatwedo/safety/health/Pages/index.aspx
- 12 -
© Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization; 2014• ICAO Health related documents (1) Procedures for Air Navigation Services; (2) Annex 6-
Medical Supplies. Available
at: http://www.capsca.org/CAPSCARefs.html%22%20/t%20%22_new
• European Centre for Disease prevention and Control. Risk assessment guidelines for
infectious diseases transmitted on aircraft. June 2009. Available
at: http://www.hpsc.ie/A-
Z/Vectorborne/ViralHaemorrhagicFever/Guidance/File,4661,en.pdf
• Risk assessment guidelines for diseases transmitted on aircraft (RAGIDA). Part 2:
Operational guidelines Second edition. November 2009. Available
at: http://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications/_layouts/forms/Publication_DispForm.a
spx?List=4f55ad51-4aed-4d32-b960-af70113dbb90&ID=332
• Aide Memoire: Standard precautions in health care. Infection Control. 2007 PAHO/WHO.
Available in Spanish
at: http://new.paho.org/hq/dmdocuments/2009/10_EPR_AM2_E7_SPAN_HR.pdf
• Cleaning and disinfection of hospital surfaces. 2010 ANVISA. Available in Spanish
at: http://www.msp.gub.uy/sites/default/files/Limpiezahospitaldic2010.pdf
• Interim Infection Control Recommendations for Care of Patients with Suspected or
Confirmed Filovirus (Ebola, Marburg) Haemorrhagic Fever. March 2008. WHO. Available
at: http://www.who.int/csr/bioriskreduction/interim_recommendations_filovirus.pdf?ua=
1
- 13 -
© Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization; 2014You can also read
